MP candidate, Edmonton—Mill Woods—Beaumont

I started learning about Economics and Business theory by formal schooling from both Grant MacEwan Community College and the University of Alberta. I graduated with distinction from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce. Since then I have spent a lot of time reading, and have come to believe in the Economic theories of professionals who do not have a vested interest in our current Government or Financial system.

My major policy influences have been:

• Eric Janzen (www.itulip.com), who taught me how to see through the spin that most Government Economists and Officials present when they discuss economics;
• Tyler Durden (www.zerohedge.com), who has, on a 24/7/365 basis, done his best to show exactly how Wall Streets’ Mega-corporations can get away with the monopolistic, anti-competitive, and malicious behaviors and actions they carry out;
• Dr. Michael Hudson (michael-hudson.com), whose insightful writings have shown me there are always alternatives to currently accepted best practices and economic policies;
• and Matt Taibbi (http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/matt-taibbi), whose down to earth writings and viewpoints finally made me decide to stand up and make a personal difference in my local political arena.

For anyone that wants to start learning real world Politics and Economics, start with Mr. Taibbi’s Political blog, then move to iTulip. Once you understand where Eric Janzen is coming from, head over to Zero Hedge and Dr. Hudson’s writings.

After graduating from University, I started a small Measurement While Drilling business in the Alberta Oilpatch. University is a great place to learn theory, but there is a huge difference between theory and reality in the business world. At least I don’t recall any business classes where we discussed customers that liked to call at 3am because their drilling operation in Albertas Northern district has drifted, and can you be there in 4 hours ready to go? I have discovered there is nothing quite like working on a drilling rig to give you an appreciation for Albertas’ winter weather and real world effects on business policies.

Before University, I spent twelve years in the Canadian Forces Primary Naval Reserve, working my way up through the ranks as I did a combination of full time and part time service to save up the money to pay for further education. Along the way, I was given the opportunity to serve on many budgetary committees, as well as serving as President, VP, Treasurer and Secretary for various messes over the years.

My political beliefs can best be described as Fiscally Conservative, Socially Liberal. I believe in being responsible with money, but I also believe in going green and helping others as much as my budget allows.

I realize that education and real world business backgrounds are not the most important thing most voters are concerned with. The question most often asked of new political candidates is this: You sound trustworthy now, but if we elect you to represent us, how do we know that you will not be influenced by money to betray our best interests?

I spent twelve years in the Canadian Forces Primary Naval Reserves, doing a combination of part time and full time service to pay my way through University. The culture of the Canadian Navy is one that includes the regular consumption of alcohol. When I arrived on board my first ship, HMCS Terra Nova, I spent several weeks watching and talking to the other crewmen. I found that many of the long term sailors, some with up to twenty years of service, chose to spend their entire monthly wage on booze, and had no real assets to show for all their time in service. Not everyone on the ship followed this path, but enough did to give me pause to consider.

In general, I choose to dedicate myself to any undertaking I do with all my body, mind, and soul. I feel this is an excellent way to reach the top in whatever activity I do. That said, I felt my normal approach would not go well with the consumption of alcohol, and I therefore made the decision not to consume at all. I can tell you right now that I had many occasions where others attempted to use peer pressure to influence me to change my mind. In all my years of service, I never faltered, and even today, I still choose not to drink.

I see nothing wrong with the responsible consumption of alcohol, and I have read studies done in France showing that the daily consumption of a glass or two of wine can have significant long term health benefits. That said, there is still no proof that the French method is better than not drinking at all, and therefore, I still choose to stand by the decision I made long ago.

To be a politician that is able to resist Corporate lobbying efforts takes a lot of willpower. I believe I have the will necessary to walk this path.

To conclude, I feel that my background in education and life makes me the best choice to represent the Citizens of the Edmonton-Millwoods-Beaumont district. I believe that we as a people are following the poor American example of allowing corporations to gain an unhealthy amount of influence and control over the political processes in our society. If I am chosen to represent our district, I will use the knowledge I have learned in University and life to try and make our Country a better place to live in the long term, by limiting undue corporate influence peddling, by giving the population of my district a voice as often as possible, and by making the proper long term decisions that will benefit everyone in our Country for years to come.

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